Linebacker Options: Nick Perry & Chandler Jones
Perry is massive and fast, possessing all the physical tools to be a quality Strong Side LB.
Chandler Jones could be re-signed by the Cardinals
The Miami Dolphins know they need to get much better on defense, if they want to be back to the Playoffs next year. They also know that in order to get better on defense, they’re going to have to upgrade the talent at Linebacker.
Kiko Alonso is a restricted free agent who played very well last year, and he will be the only Linebacker on the roster that deserves to start again next season. Luckily for the Dolphins, there is going to be quite a few Linebacker options on the free agent market.
But, will they and should they spend big money? And if they do, on who?
One option is Green Bay Packers Linebacker Nick Perry. He has played in 60 games over his first 5 seasons in the league and has tallied 152 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. The biggest thing that stands out in regards to Perry is that he has had a lot of success getting to the QB. Although, this year was his contract year and was by far the best, tallying 11 sacks — which is a little concerning.
The Miami linebackers lacked the ability to pressure the the QB and create sacks, and Perry ‘appears’ to be the type of guy to fill that role. But, he’s not going to be cheap. Also complicating the issue is that he has never been a starter for 16 consecutive games. It would be a huge commitment on what could be a one year wonder.
Perry and Chandler are 3-4 LB’s that would have to adjust to a 4-3 scheme
Another attacking Linebacker that has a ton of success getting pressure on the QB over his 5 year career is Free Agent Chandler Jones from the Arizona Cardinals. He might be one of the best overall defensive players available in this entire free agent market, but that also means he is going to be very costly. Jones has been a stud during his 5 year career, amassing 260 tackles, 47 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception.
Most pay per head bookie service fans would say that they would prefer Jones over Perry, and I would definitely be one of them. For starters, he has been consistently excellent for his entire football career, whereas Perry has really just started becoming a good player over the last 2 seasons. Chandler has also been able to put up 3 seasons of double digit sacks, and he does a better job of forcing fumbles, which is evident from his 8 forced fumbles in the last 2 seasons.
In a vacuum, it would seem to be dream to pair either of these players with Alonso; but, the market might price-out both these players for the Dolphins who have lots of holes to fill. And what would be even worse is if these 3-4 LB’s didn’t fit the Dolphins system and were a big bust with a big price. Go Fins!!!
Congrats to Derrick Shelby on his Super Bowl berth. Good luck.
didn’t realize he made it…good for him.
There are some free agent LBers that could upgrade our LBer unit prior to the draft. I know it won’t take much, but we should only need 2 starters (thats all). I believe it will be easier to sign a inside LBer opposed to a outside LBer.
Players such as; Zach Brown Bills (27 years old); Lawrence Timmons Steelers (30); Perry Riley Raiders (28); Gerald Hodges 49ers (26); A.J. Klein Panthers (25); Kevin Minter Cardinals (26) can all upgrade our LBer unit and allow Kiko to play his more natural “Will” position. I to would think that Miami wants to get a player in the 25-28 year old range, and there are a few of those players. I like Timmons, but he may be a bit old for this staff, a player to watch is Brown of the Bills, Brown lead the AFC in tackles and is only 27, but the reason he may be available is because Buffalo has rookie Reggie Ragland in 2017 due to injury, thus allowing Brown to walk. I would take either Klein or Minter both 25 & 26 years old. So there are answers, and to this staffs credit, I believe they can sign a player and allow said player to utilize his strengths instead of trying to put a square peg in a round hole (ala; Philbin, Ireland).
Outside Lbers are not as plentiful, while there are a few, most will probably get resigned by their current team(s). I would like a player like Malcolm Smith Raiders (27); Melvin Ingram Chargers (27); Nick Perry Packers (26) all in their prime and a plug and play type player. The one to me that has the best chance to move would be Perry. I would take Perry in a heart beat. Ingram may be available as well because the Chargers only are 2 million under the cap, thus restricting their case.
For me an Inside Backer is the way to free agency wise and focus on getting a “D” End and a Guard or 2. I have been warming up to Calais Campbell DE Cardinals (30), problem would be price and age, but the player would be perfect.
Hey, missed you comments…sorry. Yeah, another reader was saying Brown…I think I agree. Saw this on Hightower from PFF:
The list of inside linebackers that have been more consistently dominant than Hightower over the course of his career is very small. Both his run-defense and pass-coverage grades this season are above 80.0, showcasing the kind of three-down ability required from top-flight inside linebackers. He’s also the best pass-rushing inside linebacker in the NFL, leading the league with a 78.7 pass-rush grade. Hightower has averaged over four sacks and 23 pressures per season through his career. It would be a surprise to see him leave the Patriots, as he’s unquestionably their defensive leader, but if he did, nearly every NFL team would be likely be calling his agent.
Didn’t realize he was that good in coverage. But, it’s the injuries. He is always nicked up and this team has too may of those guys. I do like Brown as a good option and I want them o get a talented, young vet of a G. Young G’s are often not strong enough and take a year or two to get rolling right. This line is a major flaw and I’m staring to see it as a bigger need than the LB’s. One more good Lb and this core will be fine. But, this OL is a mess. Campbell is great, but old and expensive. Right now they have 37 mill plus cap increase. that’s not a ton of money given all their issues. I know they have plenty of cuts to make to boost that…but, still they need to stay cap responsible.